Gold was a deeply symbolic material for ancient, pre colonial Filipinos. Not only worn regularly in daily life, gold was used to adorn the bodies of elite decedents of communities. Funerary customs involving gold death masks were practiced to protect evil spirits from entering the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Many of the finest examples of Philippine gold come from the graves of respected community elders.

Following the colonization of the Philippines by Spain in 1521, these burial practices were discovered and grave sites across the archipelago were looted. Laws were passed that dictated a government representative be present on each occasion a Spanish settler dug up a grave so that 1/5th of the looted goods could be claimed by the Spanish government. Whilst most examples of the technical prowess of pre colonial goldsmiths were lost to Spanish looting, the best examples known to contemporary historians were discovered more recently and have been heralded as national treasures.

These earrings comprise silhouettes derived from burial mask components as well as recurring design motifs recovered from Spanish loot and undisturbed burial sites. Elements such as nose covers and eye covers are combined with bead work and embossing found in earrings, armlets, and collars.

All pieces hand made to order

Dimensions: 4” x 0.9”

Materials: Bronze, Brass, Sterling Silver Ear Wires, Gold Plating

Weight: 6 grams each